Pandemic Parenting: Tips to Keep the Kids Calm at Home
Fear, uncertainty, and being holed up at home to slow the spread of COVID-19 can make it tough for families to keep a sense of calm.
Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help your family through the outbreak.
Address children’s fears
Children rely on their parents/guardians for safety, both physical and emotional. Reassure
your children that you are there for them and that your family will get through this together.
Answer questions about the pandemic simply & honestly. Talk with children about any scary news they hear. It is OK to say people are getting sick, but say following rules like hand washing and staying at home as much as possible will help your family stay healthy.
Recognize your child’s feelings. Calmly say, for example, “I can see that you are upset because you can’t have your friends over.” Guiding questions can help older children and teenagers work through issues. (“I know it is disappointing not to be able to hang with your friends right now. How do you think you can stay in touch with them?”)
Keep in touch with loved ones. Children may also worry about a grandparent who is living alone or a relative or friend with an increased risk of getting COVID-19. Phone calls or video chats can help ease their anxiety.
Model how to manage feelings. Talk through how you are managing your own feelings.
Tell your child before you leave the house for work or essential errands. In a calm and reassuring voice, tell them where you are going, how long you will be gone, when you will return, and that you are taking steps to stay safe.
Look forward. Tell them that scientists are working hard to figure out how to help people who get ill, and that things will get better.
Offer extra hugs and say “I love you” more often.
Keep healthy routines
During the pandemic, it is more important than ever to maintain usual routines. They create a sense of order to the day that offers reassurance in a very uncertain time. All children, including teens, benefit from routines that are predictable yet flexible enough to meet individual needs.
Structure the day. With the usual routines thrown off, establish new daily schedules. Break up schoolwork when possible. Older children and teens can help with schedules, but they should follow a general order, such as:
wake-up routines, getting dressed, breakfast and some active play in the morning, followed by quiet play and snack to transition into schoolwork.
lunch, chores, exercise, some online social time with friends, and then homework in the afternoon.
family time & reading before bed.
Adapted from American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright 2020)